Chapter 19

³ The folly of a man spoils his ways: and he blames God in his heart.

⁴ Wealth acquires many friends; but the poor is deserted even of the friend he has. ⁵ A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that accuses unjustly shall not escape. ⁶ Many court the favour of kings; but every bad man becomes a reproach to another man. ⁷ Every one who hates his poor brother shall also be far from friendship. Good understanding will draw near to them that know it, and a sensible man will find it. He that does much harm perfects mischief; and he that used provoking words shall not escape.

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⁸ He that procures wisdom loves himself; and he that keeps wisdom shall find good. ⁹ A false witness shall not be unpunished; and whosoever shall kindle mischief shall perish by it. ¹⁰ Delight does not suit a fool, nor is it seemly if a servant should begin to rule with haughtiness. ¹¹ A merciful man is long-suffering; and his ¹triumph overtakes transgressors. ¹² The threatening of a king is like the roaring of a lion; but as dew on the grass, so is his favour.

¹³ A foolish son is a disgrace to his father: vows paid out of the hire of a harlot are not pure. ¹⁴ Fathers divide house and substance to their children: but a wife is suited to a man by the Lord. ^{15 2}Cowardice possesses the effeminate man; and the soul of the sluggard shall hunger. ¹⁶ He that keeps the commandment keeps his own soul; but he that despises his ways shall perish. ¹⁷ He that has pity on the poor lends to the Lord; and he will recompense to him according to his gift. ¹⁸ Chasten thy son, for so he shall be hopeful; and be not exalted in thy soul to haughtiness. ¹⁹ A malicious man shall be severely punished, and if he commit injury, he shall also lose his life.

²⁰ Hear, son, the instruction of thy father, that thou mayest be wise at thy latter end. ²¹ There are many thoughts in a man’s heart; but the counsel of the Lord abides for ever. ²² Mercy is a fruit to a man: and a poor man is better than a rich liar. ²³ The fear of the Lord is life to a man: ³and he shall lodge without fear in places where knowledge is not seen. ²⁴ He that unjustly hides his hands in his bosom, will not even bring them up to his mouth. ²⁵ When a pestilent character is scourged, a simple man is made wiser: and if thou reprove a wise man, he will understand discretion.

²⁶ He that dishonours his father, and drives away his mother, shall be disgraced and shall be exposed to reproach. ²⁷ A son who ceases to attend to the instruction of a father will cherish evil designs. ²⁸ He that becomes surety for a foolish child will despise the ordinance: and the mouth of ungodly men shall drink down judgement. ²⁹ Scourges are preparing for the intemperate, and punishments likewise for fools.